It's a chore. Basically, you need to remove the trim around the shifter, then on the dash. Then pull the ashtray, unscrew everything, and the stereo, HVAC controls, and that tray come out on a subframe. Then you can remove the tray.

I think. Been 9 months since I pulled all that apart to install my stereo.

Originally posted by dakboy It's a chore. Basically, you need to remove the trim around the shifter, then on the dash. Then pull the ashtray, unscrew everything, and the stereo, HVAC controls, and that tray come out on a subframe. Then you can remove the tray.

Its been a while, But I'm thinking about trying this again.
Last time I read the stereo-install PDF, and after I got all the trim removed I got stuck...

I dont plan on using my tray again. I wonder if theres a way to cut it out without damaging the frame. Seems a lot easier than removing the stereo and HVAC. I don't like to mess with the alarms and stereos.
Anyone know how to go about this in a less-invasive way than described above?

Originally posted by Patman252 I dont plan on using my tray again. I wonder if theres a way to cut it out without damaging the frame. Seems a lot easier than removing the stereo and HVAC.

You really should give it another try. It's the only way to access the screws that hold the pocket into the mounting brackets (so you can completely remove the pocket). Pulling out the radio/bracket assembly might also let you mount your scanner to the car's brackets. Plus you'll be able to do all of that work on your workbench or kitchen table.

Where did you get stuck last time?

In that other thread that FMGreen linked to, there's now a link to a second PDF file with color pictures and an extra step (disconnecting the cable from the temperature knob).

Okay guys I gave it another shot today, and it was a success. I think last time I got stuck when I had to undo the screws above the ash tray. I didnt have the right screwdrivers to do that, but I suceeded today.

Then I got intimidated when I had to pull out the HVAC/Stereo assembly. Especially since that Alarm box is right there. I drove a couple blocks away to a local car shop run by a guy I work with at the firehouse. He told me as long as I don't touch any wires I shouldn't have trouble, but reminded me that if I do, I might need my alarm or Stereo reset.

Anyway I did it and it wasn't a problem. I stripped a screw (the easy-to-get-to one where the alarm box mounts to the frame. It wouldn't budge, and I stripped it trying. I got one of those ProGrabbit things for damaged screws and it worked great. Real easy.

Anyway I wasn't ready to install it today but I will do that in a few days (I will post pictures). At least now I know how to do it, and I have that stupid cubby out of my way. haha.

I have one minor problem. The scanner fits in the alotted space, but the face of the scanner is wider, and I will need to trim the wood-grain to get it to fit. I'm planning on carefully trimming it away with a Dremel tool. Anyone have any thoughts about this?

I have one minor problem. The scanner fits in the alotted space, but the face of the scanner is wider, and I will need to trim the wood-grain to get it to fit. I'm planning on carefully trimming it away with a Dremel tool. Anyone have any thoughts about this?

Take note of where gets warm on the scanner. Electronics can overheat if crowed in to close, especially with no space to breath.

Originally posted by Patman252 The scanner fits in the alotted space, but the face of the scanner is wider, and I will need to trim the wood-grain to get it to fit. I'm planning on carefully trimming it away with a Dremel tool. Anyone have any thoughts about this?

Can you trim the face of the scanner instead?

Seriously, you might be able to remove the face and whittle that down, and then reinstall it.

I'd be concerned about how that dash plastic might melt (or even crack) as the blade cut into it. Sorry, I don't have any suggestions on how to trim it.

You might check the price on a replacement dash piece (to see what it would cost you if you really mess up ). Plus, you could choose to go ahead and buy another one now to hack on, so you can reinstall the unmodified one if you ever sell the car (or upgrade to a smaller scanner ).

haha trimming the scanner would not work, plus its worth several times what the dash plastic is, so thats not an option.

I'm not worried about resale...... but I don't want this to look like a hackjob. I plan on cutting it out kinda small and then using sandpaper or a dremel grinder attatchment to smooth it out and adjust it to fit the scanner. I say this because I dont want any awkward gaps around it.

If I decide thats too difficult or not possible I'll see if I can mount it sticking out just a little bit.

also thats a good thought about the hot electronics with little cooling. the scanner doesnt seem to get hot by itself, but I assume the car stereo does. So I'll keep that in mind.

hey just an update... I finished this almost a month ago but I never got around to posting.

Finished my install. I was really afraid of messing with that alarm box. After I had it mostly taken apart I went over to the local shop and had my mechanic and fellow vol fireman look at it. He pointed me in the right direction about how to proceed.

I stripped the screw holding the alarm box in, because it was tight and wouldnt budge. I used an ProGrabbit from Lowes to drill/screw it out. It worked great, and I recommend them if you get in a jam.

The install went fine. I worked on it inside my fire station, and the guy who does the electronics on our Fire Engines wired it for me. He was able to splice off from the cigarette lighter pretty easily.

Note about the Dremel tool on the hard plastic...
Believe it or not, it worked fine. As precaution I recommend using masking tape. It acts as a guide and prevents the wood grain coating from flaking after cutting. No problems there.

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